What is depression? Depressionis a serious illness that affects thoughts, feelings, and the ability to function in everyday life. It strikes across all age groups, and often goes unrecognized or inadequately treated.
So, who's most at risk? Young people are among those at risk; the study found that in a one-year period, 3 times as many persons with depression were 18 to 29 years old as were 60 or older. Nearly twice as many women as men suffer from a depressive illness in a given year. What are the symptoms?
People who are depressed may say that they feel sad or empty, or they may cry a lot. These people may also describe themselves as hopeless or discouraged. Physically, teenagers may have vague aches and pains that the doctor cannot find a cause. Also, depressionfrequently occurs with other physical illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. It is not a normal part of aging. Depressed people lose interests in daily activities, became inactive physically, feel worthless and have problems with sleeping.
What causes depression?
Depression has been linked to an imbalance in neurotransmitters, the natural chemicals that let brain cells talk with one another.
Scientists are also looking for a link between depression and hormones. However, depression is not caused by any one factor. Other factors such as psychological or social problems may also play a role. Based on various causes, depression is often triggered by a stressful event like
How can we beat depression? A variety of medicines are used to treat depression. These drugs influence the functioning of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily serotonin and norepinephrine, known as monoamines. Certain types of psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), can help relieve depression. Studies of adults have shown that a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication is most effective in treating moderate-to-severe depression. Beside the medical treatment, a depressed person is recommended to try self-treatment by exercising or eating wisely.
Depression: An Overview
Things that you should know about depression
What is depression?Depressionis a serious illness that affects thoughts, feelings, and the ability to function in everyday life. It strikes across all age groups, and often goes unrecognized or inadequately treated.
So, who's most at risk?
Young people are among those at risk; the study found that in a one-year period, 3 times as many persons with depression were 18 to 29 years old as were 60 or older. Nearly twice as many women as men suffer from a depressive illness in a given year.
What are the symptoms?
People who are depressed may say that they feel sad or empty, or they may cry a lot. These people may also describe themselves as hopeless or discouraged. Physically, teenagers may have vague aches and pains that the doctor cannot find a cause. Also, depressionfrequently occurs with other physical illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. It is not a normal part of aging. Depressed people lose interests in daily activities, became inactive physically, feel worthless and have problems with sleeping.
What causes depression?
Depression has been linked to an imbalance in neurotransmitters, the natural chemicals that let brain cells talk with one another.
Scientists are also looking for a link between depression and hormones. However, depression is not caused by any one factor. Other factors such as psychological or social problems may also play a role. Based on various causes, depression is often triggered by a stressful event like
How can we beat depression?
A variety of medicines are used to treat depression. These drugs influence the functioning of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily serotonin and norepinephrine, known as monoamines. Certain types of psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), can help relieve depression. Studies of adults have shown that a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication is most effective in treating moderate-to-severe depression. Beside the medical treatment, a depressed person is recommended to try self-treatment by exercising or eating wisely.
Are you ready?
Let's Find Out What Depression is!
Home
Next: Causes of Depression